The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced on Mar. 10 that LS Power Grid California began construction of the Manning Substation in Fresno County last month, following a timely environmental review and approval process.
The project is considered important for delivering renewable energy and strengthening grid reliability in the San Joaquin Valley. The CPUC approved a permit for the substation in September 2025, adopting the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act and authorizing construction of new transmission infrastructure.
“The Manning Substation Project demonstrates that California can permit critical energy infrastructure efficiently while upholding high environmental standards,” said Commissioner Karen Douglas. “This project will provide needed transmission capacity in the San Joaquin Valley to deliver renewable energy, strengthen grid reliability, and support our state’s clean energy goals.”
The project includes building a new 500/230 kilovolt substation, an approximately 11.5-mile transmission line connecting to the existing Tranquility Switching Station, and upgrades to current infrastructure. It was identified as necessary by the California Independent System Operator’s 2021–2022 Transmission Plan to facilitate delivery of renewable resources, address system reliability needs, and support state climate goals.
LS Power Grid California submitted its first Notice to Proceed request on Dec. 19, 2025, confirming all required mitigation measures were met. CPUC staff approved this notice on Jan. 16, 2026, allowing construction to begin ahead of schedule on Feb. 26, with LS Power Grid California crediting CPUC’s permitting process for this progress.
High voltage transmission lines like those used in this project are efficient for moving electricity over long distances and improve reliability during extreme weather events due to their ability to withstand higher temperatures without overheating. According to LS Power Grid California, more than 100 jobs will be created during construction and local property taxes from the project will help fund essential services.
The CPUC says this outcome reflects ongoing efforts to modernize permitting processes while maintaining rigorous environmental standards.
